SEO Copywriting vs. Traditional Copywriting: Understanding the Distinction and Its Value

SEO Copywriting vs. Traditional Copy: Key Differences & Why It Matters

Why I Wrote This Blog Post

Recently, we’ve had numerous conversations with our clients, helping them understand the value of SEO copywriting and how it differs from traditional marketing copy. Since these discussions keep coming up, I wanted to put together this blog post—not only to help me process their feedback but also to provide them with a resource they can refer back to and share with their teams.

Many businesses invest in sales-driven copy, such as product descriptions, landing pages, and paid ad content, but neglect SEO-focused content, which is crucial for bringing in new audiences. This guide breaks down the differences and highlights why SEO copywriting should be a priority in any digital strategy.

SEO is a Pull Marketing Strategy, Unlike Push Marketing

Traditional marketing relies on push strategies, where businesses promote messages to potential customers through ads, email campaigns, and direct sales tactics. SEO, however, is a pull strategy—it attracts users who are already looking for answers, products, or services by providing relevant, helpful content that matches their search intent.

By implementing SEO copywriting, businesses position themselves as the trusted source that potential customers discover organically rather than interrupting their experience with ads.

Where SEO Copywriting Fits in the Marketing Funnel

A well-executed SEO content strategy aligns with the marketing funnel, ensuring your brand is present at every stage:

Top of Funnel (Awareness) – Search Discovery

  • The customer doesn’t know your brand exists but has a problem or question.
  • They search Google for answers.
  • SEO-driven blog posts, guides, and educational content capture their attention and introduce your brand as a trusted source.

Middle of Funnel (Consideration) – Nurturing Leads

  • The customer is now aware of your brand and researching options.
  • They may search for comparisons, case studies, or in-depth guides to help them make a decision.
  • Long-form SEO content, such as detailed landing pages, whitepapers, and case studies, helps guide them further down the funnel.

Bottom of Funnel (Conversion) – Sales & Persuasion

  • The customer is ready to buy and searches for brand-specific terms or high-intent keywords like “best X for Y.”
  • Traditional sales copywriting (product pages, PPC ads, sales emails) takes over, converting the lead into a paying customer.

Without SEO content at the top and middle of the funnel, your business misses out on customers before they’re even in the buying mindset.

How SEO Copywriting Differs from Traditional Copywriting

Many marketing managers ask:

Why can’t we just repurpose our ad copy or website content for SEO?

Because SEO copywriting is about search intent, discoverability, and long-term value—not just immediate persuasion.

Here’s how SEO copywriting differs from traditional copywriting:

Factor	SEO Copywriting	Traditional Marketing Copywriting
Purpose	Attract and nurture new audiences via organic search	Persuade and convert leads who are already aware of your brand
Tone & Structure	Informative, educational, long-form, structured for SEO	Persuasive, brand-driven, direct, often short-form
Keyword Optimisation	Research-backed, includes primary and secondary keywords, optimised for search engines	Not keyword-focused, written for immediate impact
User Intent	Matches search queries and user journey	Matches brand messaging and sales objectives
Longevity	Content compounds over time, continues to drive traffic organically	Needs continuous promotion (ads, email marketing) to stay relevant

The SEO Copywriting Process: From Research to Execution

SEO copywriting follows a structured process based on data-driven keyword research and content strategy.

Step 1: Researching Search Intent & Keyword Gaps

Before writing, SEO copywriters analyse search trends to understand how people look for products or services in your industry. This involves:

  • Keyword Research – Identifying high-volume, relevant keywords.
  • Competitor Analysis – Examining what competitors rank for.
  • Search Intent Matching – Determining whether users seek informational or transactional content.
  • Content Gaps – Finding untapped keyword opportunities where your competitors aren’t ranking.

Step 2: Creating an SEO Copy Brief

A detailed copy brief guides the content creation process. It can include:

  • Primary & Secondary Keywords
  • Target Audience & Search Intent
  • Competitor Benchmarking
  • Ideal Content Length & Structure

Step 3: Writing & Structuring SEO Copy

SEO content must be structured for both readability and search engines:

  • Strategic Headings (H1, H2, H3) for scannability.
  • Internal Linking to keep users engaged and boost SEO.
  • Optimising for Featured Snippets (bullet points, lists, FAQs).

Step 4: Publishing & Performance Monitoring

SEO doesn’t end with publishing—it requires ongoing tracking and optimisation:

  • Organic Traffic & Keyword Rankings
  • User Engagement (Bounce Rate, Time on Page)
  • Conversion Rates

Why SEO Copywriting is a Smart Investment (Even with a Limited Budget)

Some businesses prioritise paid ads or sales copy over SEO because of budget constraints. However:

  • SEO content compounds over time—a single well-optimised post can bring traffic for years.
  • Paid ads stop working when the budget runs out—SEO continues to drive organic traffic.
  • SEO nurtures customers early—making them more likely to convert when they’re ready.

Instead of choosing between SEO and sales copy, businesses should balance both—attracting, educating, and converting leads at every stage of the funnel.

Final Thoughts: SEO Copywriting is a Growth Strategy

If your content isn’t strategically built for search, you’re leaving money on the table. SEO copywriting creates a steady stream of new visitors, nurtures them over time, and turns them into customers.

Want to leverage SEO copywriting to drive organic growth? Let’s chat.

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About the Author

Matt Hodgson

Matt Hodgson is a distinguished SEO and digital marketing specialist with over 25 years of experience, focusing on enhancing online visibility and organic search performance. With a deep-rooted background in digital media and technology, Matt excels in developing and implementing comprehensive SEO strategies, including keyword research, on-page optimisation, and content planning. His expertise extends to leveraging data analytics for refining search strategies, ensuring alignment with broader business objectives. Renowned for his strategic approach and ability to foster client relationships, Matt’s passion and competitive spirit drive him to consistently deliver exceptional results in search marketing.

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